Rift Valleys

A rift valley is a long, narrow valley formed when pieces of the Earth's crust move apart. As the land pulls in two directions, the ground in the middle drops down. Rift valleys can stretch for hundreds or even thousands of miles.

How Rift Valleys Form

The Earth's outer layer is made of big pieces called tectonic plates. Sometimes these plates move away from each other. When they pull apart, the land between them sinks down. This creates a long, deep valley with steep walls on each side.

The East African Rift

The most famous rift valley is the East African Rift. It stretches about 4,000 miles through Africa. Many lakes sit inside this rift, including Lake Tanganyika and Lake Malawi. Scientists believe Africa is slowly splitting into two pieces along this rift.

Fun Facts

• The Dead Sea sits in a rift valley and is the lowest point on land.
• The East African Rift can be seen from outer space.
• Rift valleys often have volcanoes and hot springs along them.

Did You Know?

In millions of years, the East African Rift could split Africa apart and create a new ocean!